As much as I hate to use a cliché, my recent Florida holiday literally was the trip of a lifetime. The thing is, there is so much more to a Florida holiday than Mickey Mouse and rollercoasters, as I will hopefully prove. Although, while I’m on that subject…
(The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Photo credit: The Walt Disney Company)
The high octane rollercoasters at both Disneyworld and Universal Studios (which is a 10 minute drive away from the Disney resort and nearly as big) are unparalleled. Whilst at the heart of Disney is its passion for magical childhood experiences and the amazingly detailed themed lands sprawled across 47 square miles, they give Universal a run for their money when it comes to thrill rides. I loved the Himalayan themed rollercoaster at their Animal Kingdom park, which included being hurled around the snowy ‘mountains’ until being stopped literally in our tracks by a yeti that appears to rip our path and send us flying backwards. Meanwhile the movie based attractions at Universal Studios blew my mind; the newest to the park is based on the Transformers film franchise. I was quite sceptical about the ride as I’m not a fan of the films and the ride also uses 3d technology, which tends to make me feel a bit sick. But this ride takes it to a whole new level – I won’t say anymore as I wouldn’t do it justice and it’s no alternative to experiencing it yourself, but this ride really is the future of theme parks.
(TRANSFORMERS: The Ride – 3D. Photo credit: Universal Orlando Resort)
Beyond the fantastic thrill rides lies an incredible attention to detail at all parks in Florida that you just don’t see anywhere else. In Downtown Disney (Disney’s version of an entertainment complex of restaurants, shops and bars) you will find the largest Disney store in the world, where one can experience the ‘Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique’ (see what they did there??) and transform themselves into a fairytale princess for the day. For those of you over the age of 10 you may enjoy having your lunch in Moe’s tavern of Simpsons fame at Universal Studios, or browsing the wizarding shops of Diagon Alley where you can purchase pretty much everything ever mentioned in the Harry Potter series (including the ominous Puking Pastilles which I wasn’t brave enough to try).
Although it’s easy to get carried away by the vast amount on offer, it is also important to consider the more practical side of taking a trip like this. Fortunately the parks have evolved enough with the times to make things as easy as they can be in such immensely busy places. For example, Disney have fashioned an amazing new app that you can register your ticket on that allows you to select three queue jumps a day for most rides with no extra charge. The app also allows you to make dinner reservations for any restaurants across all parks and includes live updates of waiting times for attractions.
It’s easy to forget what else can be discovered in Orlando besides Disneyworld and Universal Studios, but it’s important to give the others a look in too. Both Busch Gardens and Seaworld have their own reputable rollercoasters and a much welcomed laid back atmosphere if you have grown weary of the madness of the aforementioned.
Shopping is also a must in Orlando, with its’ good selection of designer outlets and malls. I would particularly recommend the Orlando Premium Outlets on International Drive, which stock outlets such as Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren (their kids store is fantastic) and Armani. Also worth a look is the Millenia Mall which has some of the stores more familiar in UK shopping centres but at a discounted price due to the exchange rate – think Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister and Mango. Even better is going during the sales – we went over 4th July weekend and picked up some bargains, some with 80% off!
As I was only here for two weeks I had just enough time to make the most of our unlimited passes to the parks and water parks, with a bit of shopping for good measure. However, if that much time in theme parks doesn’t appeal or you have longer in Florida, it is definitely worth hiring a car and driving to the coast. It’s about 4 hours from Orlando to Miami, so it would be a good idea to book everything before you go. Most Florida holiday packages include car rentals, as well as fantastic deals on park tickets (an unlimited two week pass in all 4 Disney parks costs the same as two days in one park if you were to buy your tickets once you are there) and flexible bookings to incorporate a few stops into your trip.
When we booked our trip to Florida the travel agent insisted on giving us next year’s brochure as she was so sure we were going to want to go back, and I am begrudgingly beginning to admit that this may very well be the case. But for now I will make do with the brilliant and varied memories I have of this unique and, dare I say it, ‘magical’ place.
*Main image credit: The Walt Disney World